Future of local tribute to tragic lake boys in doubt
THE future of a tribute to the four boys who died in the Babbs Mill Lake tragedy appeared to be in doubt after a council said some people found it distressing.
The spray-painted mural was praised by the boys’ bereaved families when it was unveiled last year near the spot where they died.
It shows the likeness of brothers Samuel and Finlay Butler, six and eight, who died along with their cousin Thomas Stewart, 11, and Jack Johnson, ten, after all falling into the lake’s icy water on December 11, 2022. Four stars in block paving beneath the piece represent each boy.
But Solihull Council said it was conscious the picture “generated strong views” including some who told the authority they found the image “distressing”.
However, that was not the view of a popular community group on Facebook.
Jessica Village, who runs the page, said she was asked by a family member of one of the boys to post a poll seeking feedback on the mural.
She said thousands completed the survey, with around 97 per cent voting ‘no’, when asked if they wanted it removed.
“We believe a decision is 100 per cent down to the family and only the family,” said Ms Village. “But the council are saying the community has ‘agreed’ to the removal. This is just a quick poll to show we are not in agreement.”
Solihull Council said it had met with community leaders in the area to understand what people wanted to see as a lasting tribute.
It has already been confirmed a tribute bench in memory of the boys will be erected at the spot this spring.
A council spokesman said: “It has always been our intention to support the community in providing a fitting and permanent memorial to the boys.
“We appreciate residents will want to pay their own tributes but are conscious the picture in question has generated strong views, including from some people who have told us they find the image distressing.”